This week when I strolled over on Monday to see what was left, there happened to be zillions of huge watermelons, each for about $2. Who can pass up an enormous, ripe, juicy, red watermelon for $2? Not this food blogger! So I brought them home and made some more fresh watermelon juice, one of my new summer favorites. And then decided to turn some of it into these tasty Jalapeno Watermelon Margaritas for happy hour!

I have to admit that I have been on a ridiculous jalapeno kick with my drinks this summer. Ever since I shared a round of spicy mango margaritas in Austin with Heidi, Kelley, and Cassie, I have been muddling jalapeno into everything from margaritas to spritzers to mojitos, and just about everything in between. That extra spicy kick just seems to round out a fruity flavor profile so well!

And these Jalapeno Watermelon Margaritas are no exception. The fresh watermelon juice is already naturally super sweet, which pairs perfectly with the tangy lime juice, a splash of orange liqueur and tequila. I ended up just muddling a slice of jalapeno or two into each glass, but you could make a jalapeno simple syrup to add in as well.

However you make them, the fresh ingredients really shine through and celebrate those great flavors of summer! For an extra fresh kick, try freezing some watermelon cubes to use in place of ice. They won’t dilute the flavor of the drink, and look extra cute floating on top too.

Directions:

In a shaker, add watermelon juice, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and a slice or two of fresh jalapeño. (Start with less jalapeño and taste test - you can always add more!)

Use a muddler or a wooden spoon to gently muddle the jalapeño to release the flavor. Shake the drink to combine. Pour into salt- or sugar-rimmed glasses, then garnish with watermelon ice cubes and slices of lime if desired.

**To make fresh watermelon juice, you can either blend up a bunch of watermelon in a blender until smooth. Then strain the juice out through a fine-mesh strainer. (Or if you have a juicer, you can just add the fresh watermelon directly to the juicer.)

WANT!!! Last summer was the first time I had ever had heat added to a margarita. And now I crave it all the time. There’s just something about that yummy little kick. Your watermelon version sounds, and looks, awesome! Crickets…you’re funny. ;)

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And I’m so happy you’re here!! So many of my favorite memories in life seem to take place around the table, especially when surrounded by people I love. And of course, all the better when nourished by some seriously delicious food. So I created this site to share my favorite recipes and stories with you, in hopes that they might inspire and help us all to spend more time around the table and savor the good stuff in life. Cheers, friends! more about me »